United Kingdom

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons because of his age, was previously due to be sentenced on 2 September - but proceedings were adjourned when the court learned the boy's mother was on holiday in Ibiza.

The boy was accompanied by his uncle instead, but District Judge Joanne Hirst told Manchester Magistrates' Court she was "frankly astonished" and ordered a parental summons for the mother to explain herself.

The 30-year-old single mother, who also cannot be named because that would identify her son, appeared at the court on Wednesday alongside him and told the judge the Spanish island break had cost £1,200.

She had decided to fly abroad for the five-day trip the day before her son was due to appear in court last week to be sentenced after admitting two counts of violent disorder.

Explaining her absence, she told the judge she spoke with her solicitor and the Youth Justice team: "It was not put to me how much I needed to be there. Each one said, 'Is there an appropriate adult?' My brother - which is why I went on holiday."

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She told the youngster, who has ADHD, he had been involved in "the worst type of feral behaviour in our country" and if an adult, he would be going to jail for up to five years.

However, the judge said she was giving him a "chance" and instead ordered him to complete a 12-month referral order.

He was described as a "lovely" child by his mother, but who had at times a "chaotic" home life.

The boy told the judge he was "sorry" and that he was receiving help from social workers and had taken up boxing.

Previously; Boy, 12, cannot be sentenced over riots after mum left for Ibiza holiday